Dr. Harold David Bibb, 86, of Kingston, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at the South Kingstown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Harold was born in Centralia, Illinois, on February 12,1940, to the late Harold David Sr. and Corine Nelson Bibb. He was always proud to share his birthday with Charles Darwin, Abraham Lincoln, and Amadeus Mozart. He was married for almost 55 years to Brenda June Golberg. Harold was predeceased by his infant sister, Edna Sylvia, and his parents, Harold David Sr. and Corine Nelson Bibb. He is survived by his sister, Roslyn Tyus, brother Dale Murray; children, Martha Elaine Lin (Timothy), Emily Corine, and David Nelson; and cherished grandchildren Astraea and Hannah Lin.

Harold graduated from Knox College with a B.A. in Biology in 1958. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 1969. After doing postdoctoral research at the University of Victoria and Brown University, he began a teaching and research career at the University of Rhode Island in 1972. He spent his entire career at URI, later serving as Chair of the Zoology Department and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies while continuing to teach.

Harold proudly served for many years as a Trustee of Knox College, his alma mater. He was committed to building diversity in higher education, working with the New England Board of Higher Education, Compact for Faculty Diversity, and Institute for the Recruitment of Teachers.

Harold was a lifelong lover of music. He grew up singing in church and school choirs and playing trumpet in school bands. He fondly remembered seeing Ike and Tina Turner perform when he was younger, and always enjoyed live jazz, whether while traveling, or at local music festivals. As an adult, he sang with the South County Chamber Singers for many years and served as a volunteer, board member, and treasurer for the Kingston Chamber Music Festival.

Harold cherished his time with family, whether it was attending his children's dance and music recitals or cheering for their sports teams. He will be fondly remembered and missed by all whose lives he touched.

Visitation for Harold will be held on Friday, August 7th, 2026 from 10 to 11 AM with a funeral home service to follow at 11 AM in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. Burial will follow in New Fernwood Cemetery, 3120 Kingstown Rd., Kingston.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kingston Chamber Music Festival (KCMF, PO Box 1733, Kingston, RI 02881) or the United Negro College Fund.